Next-Level Growth Program Application

We are accepting application on behalf of City of Greater Geelong

8-week program commencing 1st September, 2026

Applications close 11pm, 24th August, 2026.

Applications are now open

Program Overview

In 8 weeks of targeted business education, coaching, mentoring, and AI capability development, you'll develop your own focused growth system for your business and leave with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to execute it.

The Next-Level Growth Program is delivered by the award-winning team at 25eight, a B Corp certified capability development company with ten years of experience working with small and medium businesses across Australia.

25eight's approach is diagnostic-led, the program starts by understanding exactly where your business is right now, so everything that follows is built around your specific situation and stage of growth.

This cohort includes an integrated AI capability component. Alongside helping build your systems of growth, you'll develop a clear picture of where AI can genuinely help your business; from saving time on everyday tasks to identifying strategic opportunities and a practical plan for using it intentionally.

The details

You'll work through online learning activities at your own pace, attend in-person and virtual group sessions with your cohort, meet with your business coach one-to-one, and be matched with an industry mentor who brings relevant market knowledge and connections. Throughout the program, you'll be building alongside a small group of other committed Latrobe City business owners.

As a subsidised program, your place comes with a commitment to attend all scheduled sessions and complete the full 8 weeks.

The program is designed for time-poor business owners — sessions are focused and the online learning is self-paced — but the results come from showing up consistently.

The in-person sessions will all occur at Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct. The first session is compulsory and whilst you get the most benefit from attending all sessions, there are online support options if you can’t make one.

The session details:

  • Compulsory In-Person Session 1 - 11am - 2pm, Tuesday 1st September

  • In Person Session 2 -11am - 1pm Tuesday 15th September

  • In-Person Session 3 - 11am - 1pm Tuesday 13th October

  • In-Person Session 4 - 11am - 1pm Tuesday 20th October

Who this is for

This program is suited to you if:

  • You're a business owner or leader of a small business who makes decisions about it, based in the City of Greater Geelong

  • You're committed to growing your business and ready to invest the time to do it properly

  • You want a structured, supported process rather than just another workshop, to help you develop yourself as a business leader and create the systems to support you

  • You're at a stage where a clear growth system would make a real difference to what happens next, to stabilise sales, to enable you to scale or to enable competitive advantage.

Eligibility and how to apply

This program is valued $2,995 with no in-person component, however, the program is being offered at no cost to eligible City of Greater Geelong business leaders, made possible through City of Greater Geelong's investment in local business capability.

Places are limited and selection is competitive. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate genuine commitment to growth and readiness to make the most of the program.

If you have any questions relating to eligibility or your suitability for the program, please contact:

Applications are subject to 25eight’s Terms & Conditions and businesses must:

  • have a valid ABN

  • be registered and operating from a physical location within the municipality

  • hold all appropriate permits and licenses

  • have not breached any law or regulation

  • not be owned by a current or former employee or Councillor of City of Greater Geelong

  • not have any outstanding compliance matters with council.

Application Form

For best results, complete the form on a tablet or computer.

The City of Greater Geelong is proud to deliver this program as part of the Geelong Clever and Creative International City – Economic Development Plan (2024-2034), supporting our business community to thrive through the delivery of targeted programs and initiatives.

 

To explore the services and supports offered by the City of Greater Geelong for business and investors please visit:  https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/business